A GLOWING Kate Middleton showed off her baby bump in a designer dress as she entertained A-list guests, including Anna Wintour, at a lavish fashion event at Buckingham Palace.-MelbourneTv

A GLOWING Kate Middleton used a stunning print dress to show off her baby bump as she entertained guests at a lavish Buckingham Palace reception.

The Duchess of Cambridge plumped for the stunning black Edrem number just hours after she was criticised for failing to wear black to the BAFTAs as part of a campaign highlighting sex harassment, reports The Sun.

Kate was hosting a reception for the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, which aims to create partnerships between designing talent in Commonwealth countries.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was also expected to attend the event.

In London to discuss Australian Foreign Policy and the benefits of free trade agreements, Bishop has made time to take on another, less official role, as “Fashion Minister”.

Hosting the best of British fashion event with Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer earlier this week, Bishop caught up Australian designer Kit Willow — who was chosen to be part of the inaugural Commonwealth Exchange Program.

Of her own style, Ms Bishop told News Corp in 2014 that she prefers to buy “investment pieces” but is careful to live within her means.

“I’m careful with what I spend but I also try to buy clothes that will promote an appropriate image for Australia,” she said.